On my first visit to Siem Reap a year ago, I was on a budget. A tight budget to be honest. The visit to home of Angkor Historical Park was in-between a four-day stay in Hanoi and three days in Phuket, Thailand. With these being my first solo adventures across SE Asia, I was not sure how much to budget for and when and where I could splurge. Thus, when it was time to book a room in Siem Reap, I went with the best option I could find on Hostel World.
For a little more than $10 a night, I gotta admit that I was very surprised with how nice, clean, friendly, attentive and accommodating my stay at Golden Mango was. At the time, I even considered staying there again if and when I’d visit Siem Reap again.
Fast forward a year later and the unexpected opportunity to visit Siem Reap again. This time though, as a more seasoned SE Asian traveler, I knew exactly how far money would go and what I wanted from a stay.
After doing a lot of research; reading reviews and looking at websites, my friends and I decided to get rooms at the Borei Angkor Resort and Spa.
We arrived in Siem Reap after 8pm, after driving for nearly six hours from Phnom Penh. It was a long, scary drive, but I hardly noticed it as I was knee deep in reading the final book of the ‘Hunger Games Trilogy.’ Lost in the book, the drive didn’t seem as long as six hours should feel, but every 10 or minutes, I’d be jolted by the sudden stopping power of our driver’s brakes as he avoided crashing into livestock or a truck.
With evening upon us when we arrived in Siem Reap, we were all very excited. I was excited because it would be my friends first time seeing Angkor and that gave me the opportunity to play travel expert. All over the ship people now call me Hart’s All Over the World or Follow Your Hart and it feels great. As we pulled into the Borei Angkor Resort and Spa, our mouths collectively dropped in astonishment. We each dapped one another up, for we knew we chose the right place.
We were welcomed with an arrival tea and desserts in the exquisite lobby as we waited for our check-in process to complete. The host asked us about our travels and our plans in Siem Reap, offering to book our tuk tuk driver for the early morning sunrise at Angkor Wat, as well as giving us great itinerary suggestions.
The location of the resort is great. Only a 5 minute tuk tuk ride from the hotel to Pub Street and the Siem Reap Night Market. It’s also on the main road in Siem Reap.
Once our check-in was complete, it was time to get in our rooms. I wanted a room with a pool view but I wasn’t that fortunate on this occasion. No complaining though because I was awed by the beautiful decor and spaciousness of the room immediately as the lights came on.
One of the first things I look at when I check in to any room is the bathroom. I love a good rain shower and the bathroom here had every touch. There was one of those old-fashion looking tubs that have shiny legs. According to my friends, the bath tubs in their rooms came with a packet of rose petals to sprinkle in it. I am no sure about mine because I only showered. The bathroom was huge though and the selection of soaps and shampoos were very nice.
Although it was too hot in the day to enjoy it, the balcony was a nice feature and I was impressed with the local woodwork used for the balcony and room furniture. On the television there were a wide array of English language channels and, most importantly, at least four channels dedicated to football from across the world.
The pool was very inviting and I accepted the invitation after a long morning spent touring Angkor Historical Park. As my friend opted for the spa, I decided to take a nice, long dip in the pool. It was awesome there because the jacuzzi is connected to it, so after a few laps, I didn’t have to leave the pool to relax and soak my tired muscles. The following day is when I decided to enjoy the spa portion of the resort.
I got the two-hour gentlemen’s package at the spa which included a body scrub; neck, back and shoulder massage; scalp massage treatment; and a health facial. I’ve never treated myself to a package like that before. It was great! I felt very invigorated, relaxed and new.
The only negative thing I have to say about Borei are the prices for drinks and food there. When you can get a delicious meal and drink out in town for less than $5 USD, it’s hard justifying paying $10 USD for a beer and $20 USD for an entree.
Aside from that, I’d rate this wonderful resort and spa a 4.5 out of 5. I’d definitely stay here again and for the price per night (less than $70) it was a steal. Each person working there made you feel welcomed and wanted. Every one greets you with smiles and that is exactly how you leave.
